I just wanted to tell everyone how pleased I am with my new Sportsman 500. I had sold my old '96 300 4x4 with the Vamps:-( a few days ago. I called up the local dealer and he said he was expecting a Magnum any day. I said good, and to call me with any updates. I wanted a Magnum 500 because I wanted a bigger atv and I had only heard good things of them in the forums. I got a call back yesterday and he said something got messed up and he couldn't get one for a few months. I didn't want to wait that long so I said what else do you have. He just got a '00 Sportsman 500 in green in the other day. I got a heck of a deal on it so I took it. I rode it some tonight and I love it!!! I really think it is a quality machine. Thanks for reading and happy riding all.

Mudman '00 Green Sportsman 500

 

Congrats Mudman!

ENJOY!

 

Hey Mudman, congrats on your new Sportsman! I hope you’ll get as many miles and fun out of it as I have mine.

On the subject of Sportsman vs. Magnum, now that my wife has a new Magnum 500 I plan to post the differences from an experienced perspective when I have the time. Initially there are a few things that surprised me. I guess I’d always thought of the Mag 500 as a Sportsman without IRS. Since this is our second “shaft ride” Mag (first was a 325) I’m very familiar and impressed with the design of the rear drive/suspension system for its quality and durability. But I must say, the Sportsman leaves the Mag behind in several areas. The clutch housing intake is about 7” lower on the Mag and in a position that appears to make it more vulnerable to sucking in things it shouldn’t. It has a smaller fuel capacity by 1.5 gallons. The front CVs aren’t as well protected. The motor is positioned MUCH further forward, giving the machine completely different balance than the Sportsman.

Now don’t think I’m getting down on this machine, the little I’ve ridden it it handles beautifully, far more nimble than my heavy Sportsman. That 500 motor in the lighter chassis makes it feel like a two-stroke compared to what I’m used too. These are just my initial impressions after one weekend’s ride (110 miles) and I’ve not ridden it on a challenging trail yet. Once it’s broken in (if I can get my wife to swap machines!) I’ll post a more comprehensive comparison.

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FloodRunner, on the Wisconsin River

 

Mudman:

Congrats! I have over 1400 miles on my 99 SP500 after owning it for only 13 months...they are amazing machines! Not one mechanical problem...Hopefully you'll get as many miles as I did in one year! Keep us posted as to how it performs for ya.

Take care,
Bob

 

Just sold my 98 sp500,am looking forward to new 00 sp500 in may.Will be snowmobiling on my 700 RMK POLARIS till then.
LATER COB